07/08/2026
Here is a great opportunity hosted by our partners over at the City of Fairview Park. Please read as registration is mandatory!
Calm Connections: Interactive Experiences with Safety Services
For Autistic Individuals and Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders
Date: Thursday, July 30th
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Gemini Center (Fairview Park Recreation Department) (Utilizing the High School Parking Lot for outdoor activities)
Address: 21225 Lorain Rd. Fairview Park 44126
Calm Connections: Interactive Experiences with Safety Services is an interactive community event designed to provide autistic individuals and individuals with sensory processing disorders with the opportunity to become more familiar with local safety services in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Through guided experiences with Fairview Park Police, Fire, and EMS personnel, participants and their families/caregivers can practice and explore what common emergency interactions may look and feel like before they happen in real life, to reduce anxiety, increase understanding, and provide practical tools for communication and self-advocacy.
Interactive Experiences
Traffic Stop Experience
Participants will attend a required 20-minute educational presentation led by Officer Toth covering what to expect during a traffic stop and strategies for communication.
Following the presentation, registered participants will have the opportunity to drive through a simulated traffic stop in the Fairview Park High School parking lot with local law enforcement.
Participants must be at least 15 years old.
Participants must possess the appropriate learner's permit or valid driver's license.
Registration is required.
Attendance at the educational presentation is mandatory for participation in traffic stops.
Immediate family members are welcome to ride along in the vehicle.
Families who prefer not to participate may register to attend the presentation and observe the traffic stop experience.
Ambulance Experience
Participants may register for one of two scheduled sessions to explore an ambulance and become familiar with the sights, sounds, equipment, and environment alongside EMS personnel.
Firefighter Meet & Experience
Participants will have the opportunity to meet firefighters in full protective gear and become familiar with their appearance and equipment in a comfortable, interactive setting.
Community Resources
Families can also visit a variety of informational and interactive resource stations, including:
VR Traffic Stop Experience- CCBDD
Blue Envelope Program information
Communication boards and accessibility resources
Information on registering vehicles through the State of Ohio to help notify responding officers of communication or sensory needs
Mobile Sensory Unit
Community partner organizations including
LEAP
Best Buddies
GiGi's Playhouse
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Heroes Helping?
(need to include more)
Program Goals- Calm Connections Interactive Experiences with Safety Services is designed to:
Build familiarity with emergency interactions in a supportive environment
Help individuals develop confidence and communication strategies in real life safety situations
Empower individuals and families to advocate for sensory and communication needs
Connect participants with valuable community resources
Foster meaningful relationships between neurodiverse community members and local safety professionals
Provide opportunities for police, fire, and EMS personnel to better understand neurodiversity and sensory needs through positive community engagement
Registration Information
Registration is required to participate in any scheduled experience. All participants must register in advance through the Fairview Park Recreation Department's ActivityReg system. To register:
Visit the Fairview Park Recreation Department website.
Click "Register for Activity."
Follow the link to ActivityReg.
Select the "Special Events" tab.
Register for your desired experience(s).
Please Note:
Registration is mandatory for all interactive experiences.
Participants wishing to complete the Traffic Stop Experience must also register for and attend the required educational presentation with Officer Toth.
Traffic stop participants must be 15 years of age or older and possess the appropriate learner's permit or valid driver's license.
Family members are welcome to ride along during the traffic stop experience.
Families may also register to attend the presentation and observe the traffic stop without participating.
Ambulance experiences require advance registration
Community resource tables and partner information will be available throughout the event for all attendees to explore.
